Christmas gift guide: Guaranteed to make her smile

Whether you want to blow the budget or mind the pennies, there's a stylish, sophisticated gift for the lady in your life

Chanel No 5 Eau de Parfum

In 1954, when a journalist asked Marilyn Monroe what she wore to bed, her answer was simple - "Just a few drops of No 5". As the best selling fragrance in the world since the late 1920s, this perfume continues to stand up to fads and the passing of time. The scent is a bouquet of abstract flowers with an indefinable femininity, which is cherished by women of all ages. Even the bottle makes a stand with its minimalist elegance and there are plenty of luxurious extras to go with it, the best of which has to be the Intense Bath Oil. A timeless classic.

How much: £61 (50ml)

Where from: www.johnlewis.com

Ben Di Lisi Clutch Bag

She'll be the belle of the ball with this beaded clutch bag by Ben de Lisi. Featuring an intricate geometric pattern of seed beading on one side and a plain satin side on the other, there's a sliding pewter purse clasp fastening, an internal slip pocket and concealable pewter chain strap. It is big enough to fit all the essentials, but small enough to look classy and feminine. Best of all, it looks much more expensive than it really is and if gold is not for her, fear not – it is also available in black.

How much: £45

Where from: www.debenhams.com

Per Una Single Breasted Faux Fur Coat

What a coat. She'll look and feel gorgeous from the moment she puts on this sophisticated single breasted garment, which combines smart style with faux fur design for a confident, individual look. Although it's warm, there's plenty of room to wear thick clothes underneath, so she doesn't have to worry about piling on the layers when it's really cold. The grey and black tones work together superbly and it's so much better quality than many of the faux furs around at the moment. This coat is a hard act to follow – Marks and Spencer has come up trumps.

How much: £120

Where from: www.marksandspencer.com

L'Apero Wool Button Detail Gloves

Gloves are a fantastic gift – stylish, and luxurious, yet practical. This classic black pair are delicate, warm and timeless in style, combining smart with casual and boasting the finest workmanship. Fabulous for the woman in your life, a friend or even your mother-in-law.

How much: £50

Where from: www.fortnumandmason.com

Irah Shift Dress

The delicate frill and asymmetric darting at the waist on this classic stretch crepe shift dress is a winning combination and makes the perfect party dress. Ok, so it's always a risk buying any dress as a Christmas gift, but because this one is subtly tailored to flatter the feminine figure, it seems to work a treat on both slimmer women through to those with a fuller figure. The colour is magnificent too – although if you're not keen, there are plenty of other options. If you're wavering between two sizes, we suggest going for the higher one as they do come up slightly tight.

How much: £110

Where from: www.coast-stores.com

Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh

Here's a fragrance that is bright, floral and fruity. Playful with a whimsical spirit, this scent radiates crisp raspberry, sensuous wild rose and deep, warm plum. The result is a sophisticated but not too serious scent perfectly capturing the vintage flavour of Marc Jacobs' edgy designs. It's no mean feat creating a perfume that is youthful yet elegant and fresh yet full of charm, but this one really hits the mark. The bottle is very nice too,and is sure to enhance her dressing table or brighten up a boring bathroom shelf.

How much: £50 (gift set)

Where from:www.houseoffraser.co.uk

EMU Narooma Leather Boots

Go on, blow the budget. Classic Ugg boots show no sign of losing their popularity this winter, but these 100% Australian leather knee-high boots with three-side buckle adjustments from EMU offer something a bit more original. Other great features include the supportive moulded heel cup for a fantastic fit, removable sheepskin lined insole for maximum comfort, hard-wearing rubber EMUsole and Merino wool linking that keeps feet toasty warm without making them sweat or smell. Yes, they're pricey, but they're built to last and it will be worth it when you see her grin from ear to ear on Christmas morning.

How much: £219.99

Where from: www.surfdome.com

Zoe Slouch Shopper Bag

With handles that fit comfortably on the shoulder, a roomy interior and magnetic closure that protects contents from the elements, chances are she'll never leave home without this. It's a best seller from White Stuff, snapped up by women with all kinds of lifestyles: those with young kids, those with A4 worky bits to carry around or anyone else who need the extra space. It even has a little zip-up pouch attached with a leather strap – ideal for security.

How much: £79.95

Where from: www.whitestuff.com

Red Herring Watch

Unbelievable value. Perfect for adding an accent of chic with its silver, grey and black colour scheme, it is one of many inexpensive watches by Red Herring available from Debenhams. The oversized 12 and 6 really make this one stand out and give it a contemporary stamp. A true recession beater that she's bound to be thrilled to bits with.

How much: £15

Where from: www.debenhams.com